A little rain couldn’t stop youth campers from having a good time Monday morning at Duncan Park Golf Course.

The Norman Puckett Natchez Junior Golf Camp kicked off its summer sessions as area youths descended on the practice putting green of the park.

“It’s great to have the kids out, and we had a big turnout,” Duncan Park Golf Course Superintendent Greg Brooking said. “A lot of the kids returned that were here last year or the year before. Some of the kids have been here for three and four years.”

The campers spent the opening session working on their putting and chipping.

“Some of the greatest teachers in the world said you learn golf from the hole out,” Brooking said. “You start close in and you learn how to play the game, and you move further out.”

Brooking said the campers will eventually progress to longer clubs through the five-week camp, but the main focus remains on developing their short game.

“At their age, that’s not as important as learning chipping and putting,” he said.

Brooking said the program was kick started a decade ago after Parker Yelverton took an interest in instilling golf in the area’s youth, donating to the program annually.

“It means a lot to have this,” Brooking said. “I think this is best for the future of golf in Natchez to have programs like this. We’re proud of the kids, every single one of them.”

To get involved, contact the Duncan Park Pro Shop at 601-442-5955.